Wednesday, May 15, 2019

What Foods Are Always In Your Refrigerator?

Sitting  in Tupperware, strawberries are to the left and potatoes for a potato salad are to the right. Juniper Valley milk is delicious! 
I just got back from the supermarket ... as this morning I ran out of milk. It got me thinking: There are certain food items I restock immediately and never let myself go a day without them.

So the blog question of the day is: What food(s) trigger a run to the supermarket in your home? They must always be in your cupboard or refrigorator to eat or drink?

Here are some of mine:

1) a gallon of milk
2) A dozen eggs
3) bag of carrots
4) ground coffee
5) cheddar cheese, extra sharp
6) saltine crackers
7) cans of tuna
8) cans of whole tomatoes
9) cans of cooked beans - red kidney, pink, or pinto
10) fresh fruit -- however, I mix it up, so not always the same ones: strawberries, blueberries, oranges, bananas, avocados, pears, apples (and sometimes all of them).
11) Fresh and frozen vegetables - I mix these up too: green beans, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprout. These will change, whereas a bag of fresh carrots is a constant. There is always a bag of whole carrots in my refrigerator.
12) onions, 2 lb bag
13)  Idaho or Eastern potatoes, 5 lb bag
14) whole wheat flour, 5 lb bag
15) all-purpose flour, 5 lb bag
16) sugar, 4 lb bag and a jar of honey
17) Nuts - most often walnuts and dry roasted peanuts (technically, not a nut)
18) black and green tea bags (to make hot, or homemade kombucha
19) oatmeal, a big round 42-ounce box - I use it for breadcrumbs or quick meals.
20) peanut butter (from the health food store, 100% peanuts!) - for snacks, cooking and sandwiches.

I left off condiments or my list would be ridiculously long. Neither bread nor meat are on my list. I can make biscuits or bread with flour as needed. 

As long as I have protein at home running out of meat won't trigger a supermarket run. Yet running out of milk or eggs always will!

How about you? What makes you skedaddle to the supermarket prompto? 


You may also enjoy:
Eaters Beware
The World's Healthiest Cuisines
The Five Second Rule For Food Is Untrue   
9 Ways To Save Money At The Supermarket

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Wishing You A Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers who click on THE SAVVY SHOPPER today! Hope you feel the love and appreciation for all your hard work and devotion to your families! 

Certainly, you are valued and loved here on this blog! Your heart and mind.

Where would the world be without mothers? Your wisdom, your experience, your insights. Your unselfishness and collective kindnesses. A huge thank you to all the mothers, and to one in particular who likes the color red ... Ein Glücklicher Muttertag!

Enjoy your day of honor!




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Friday, May 10, 2019

Danny Seo's Baked Kale Falafel

Photo: givemedelicious
I have no idea why falafel cakes are so expensive at the health food store. Five tiny appetizer-sized cakes range from $5 - $7 per package, and frankly I need 3 packages to satisfy my hunger. Since the vegetarian ingredients are cheap, why such a big markup? Could it be the labor? It's puzzling! 

I have no desire to spent lots of time or money on a basic dish, so I'm happy to stumble upon the following easy recipe for baking falafel cakes at home. Oh and note: baking instead of frying, what a healthy bonus! I saw this on television and wrote the recipe out for you, my lovelies:

Danny Seo's Baked Kale Falafel

Ingredients

5 springs of fresh kale - massaged and cut down into small pieces, then sprinkled with salt (Eyeball it. I stopped at 2 springs)
1 small red onion, chopped
olive or vegetable oil
1 1/2 teaspoons dried cumin
2 teaspoons dried dill
1 teaspoon dried garlic
1 14 ounce can of chick peas, mashed
1 lemon - zest and juice (I used a capful of cider vinegar, easier.)
1/4 cup of bread crumbs (I used 1/2 cup oatmeal.)

Directions:

1) Prepare the raw kale and toss into a mixing bowl.

2) Into a frying pan pour 2 tablespoons of olive (or vegetable) oil. Add a sprinkle of salt. Cook the onion and dried spices for 60 seconds, or so and toss into the bowl with the prepared kale.

3) Add a can of chick peas into the bowl.

4) Zest and juice a lemon into the mixture. (As noted I just added 1 capful of cider vinegar.) 

5) Mash the chick peas, kale and seasoned onion mixture. If dry add drops of water. Next toss in 1/4 cup of bread crumbs and stir to combine.

6) Using a spoon or ice cream scooper, scoop out a dense ball and drop onto an oiled or parchment lined cookie sheet. If using parchment paper, brush it with oil - so the falafel will be crispy.

7) With your fingers flatten them out and go back to drip an extra drop of oil on top of each patty to give them a crunch.

8) Bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. 

And while the falafel bakes, make a dipping sauce --

Tahini Sauce for falafel

Ingredients
Photo: chefehome


1 fresh garlic clove cut and mashed
1/4 cup tahini paste
1 1/2 teaspoons maple syrup
a punch of salt
2 tablespoons water
chili flakes to taste

Directions:

Toss all the ingredients into a bowl and whisk vigorously with a fork until creamy.

Let's say you don't stock tahini paste: You can cheat like I do and use ready made hummus as your dip. (I pay $4.99 for 17 ounce tubs, as opposed to $8 for a jar of tahnini paste. Why would I make it?). Also, feel free to substitute any nut butter, or peanut butter for tannini paste to make a dip. If desired, you could go in a different direction to make a creamy tangy yogurt dipping sauce.

Easy, healthy, delicious and inexpensive ... yes a bullseye recipe!

Update: The next time I will fry them in 2 tablespoons of hot olive oil in a pan on the stovetop. There's no benefit to baking them as you can simply brush the pan with a little oil. Fast and crispy. I will only bake them when making a huge amount.


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Tuesday, May 7, 2019

DIY Bookcase Using Narrow Wooden Crates

So. I thought I'd create a home for a few of my history books on Queen Victoria & her children. But I'm afraid of clutter. Bringing ill-fitted furniture into a space looks bad, i.e. cluttered! IMHO there needs to be space, as well as, the right articles for any home to look stylish. 

That's why I'm starting cheap. If a bad idea, I haven't invested much, but if a good idea, I can replace my DIY bookshelves with an upscale bookcase later on (if I desire). Because workers are still entering my apartment, my brand new area rug is left rolled up ... giving me the freedom to embark on a DIY project.
Enough storage for about 8 -10 regular sized books
"Narrow" is the key word. Any book nook I add to my space needs to fit a tight section of my wall. Therefore, I bought pine crates at Home Depot and painted them Bone White, the color of my walls. (The stool above was to sit on to paint; and yes, that's my foot in the picture. Not being a professional painter, I forget to remove my good shoes to do the job. I'm glad they aren't painted too!🙂)
After water damage from the upstairs fire, the wall behind the book nook was replaced with a new one, leaving the floor tiles shattered. Yet the powers in charge have no plans to fix or replace all the loose and shattered tiles in my apartment. This shelf will go in a corner of the room after it is finished.
Now I'm waiting for the paint to cure on my new shelves before deciding on the next step, whether to:

1) Stack one on top of each other (as I show above);
2) Put wheels on the bottom; 
3) Make another stack of 2 and attach back to back, then add wheels;
4) Leave them side by side;
5 Attach them together (using gorilla glue or nails, a must with 3 or more shelves); or leave them unattached;
6) Call it a bad idea and toss.
Moving the crates around the living room helps to find the right spot. Hmm?

Who says she doesn't have space for a bookcase? Futhermore, these versatile crates can be stacked vertically or horizontally on top of furniture, if need be. If they end up under a window, 2 crate high will do. Next to the wall, I could attach 3-4 crates high, but need a platform to lift them up since the wall molding keeps them from resting against the wall. In a corner, they look best flat against the wall.
People with knowhow could add adorable touches, no?  Each narrow crate holds about 4 books. So 2 (holds 8 books), 3 (holds 12 books), or 4 (holds 16 books), neatly, immaculately and organized, no?

In a large room, a homeowner could get more ambitious by using large crates, as well as, attach 6, 9 or 12, etc. together. Painted, or stained ... and  voilà ... stylish DIY storage furniture for less!
Be it for books, or something else, there is no end to how a creative person can decorate with inexpensive wooden crates. See Pinterest here for the many impressive ways! I'm posting 3 of my favorites although they may be above my skill-set.🙂

What do your think of using wooden crates as storage units?


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Thursday, May 2, 2019

Kentucky Derby Favorites: Hot Brown And Chocolate Pecan Pie

Thousands of Louisvillians watch the Kentucky Derby at home like everyone else in the world. If you desire some Derby local color, here are two dishes to make this Saturday before or after the race, but never, ever during the most exciting 2 minutes in sports. Post time is at 6:30 pm EST, so plan accordingly.


The Hot Brown at The Brown Hotel, Louisville, Kentucky
First up is a Hot Brown, an open faced sandwich consisting of turkey, crispy bacon and sliced tomatoes covered in scrumptious Mornay sauce. The legendary sandwich was created by Chef Fred Schmidt in 1926 at Louisville's elegant Brown Hotel. Click here for the original recipe.

Follow up your Hot Brown with a slice of Derby Inspired pie. The real Derby pie, made of pecans, semi sweet chocolate chips and a touch of bourbon (OK, maybe more than a touch) was created by George Kern in 1950 at the Melrose Inn in Prospect, Kentucky, a suburb of Louisville. Because it is copyrighted and the Kern family hasn't made it available to the public, we need to call this dessert anything but Derby pie.

Homemade Kentucky Chocolate Pecan Pie🐴

Ingredients
Photo: Markmark28

An unbaked 9 inch pie crust
1 cup dark (or semi sweet) chocolate chips
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup (one stick) softened butter
4 large eggs
1 ounce good Kentucky bourbon
1/3 cup maple syrup
2/3 cup light corn syrup {how to make your own: For one cup substitute 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar dissolved in 1/4 cup hot water. You will only use 2/3 of it.}
1 1/2 cups pecans (*walnuts are often substituted*)

Directions:

1) Sprinkle the chocolate chips on the bottom of the unbaked pie crust.

2) Whisk together the sugar and butter. Add the eggs, bourbon, maple syrup and corn syrup. Stir in the pecans.

3) Pour into the unbaked pie crust and pop into a preheated 350 degree F oven.

4) Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the center is set. Allow to cool before slicing.

If you host a Kentucky Derby party here are favorite Derby appetizers to serve: Benedictine spread and Pimento Cheese spread. It is not a day you will save on calories, however, the food is shared.

Undoubtedly, they are luscious!  You're welcome! Enjoy the Kentucky Derby!!🌹


You may also enjoy:
Refreshing Bourbon Slush
Since 1875: The Kentucky Derby (with other Derby recipes)
Louisville After The Kentucky Derby
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Monday, April 29, 2019

NorthStyle's Summer Catalog

Watercolor Print Tonic; Conversational Print Tonic; Bright Abstract Tonic
NorthStyle, is a maker of casual, comfortable and fashionable women's apparel. IMHO, their summer catalog is always their best with appealing pieces, including dresses, tops, trousers and accessories. The style is ladylike, upbeat and modern; and the price point is attractive too. 
Floral Paisley Lace Dress
There are so many cute summer/spring wares -- over 100 new styles -- the hard task is limiting your selection! Here are just a few items that caught my eye.
Adorable floral dresses with lovely necklines and flattering lengths and shapes. On their website, you will find pretty knitted sweaters to match sleeveless dresses, as well as, accessories like handbags.

Other offerings include easy to wear, stylish bottoms, such as shapely slacks  and colorful leggings that can be paired with the retailer's feminine tunics, shirts and jewelry. 
And well-made skorts to look casual smart and pulled together, yet are as cozy to wear as shorts. 

If you need a few pieces for your spring/summer wardrobe, NorthStyle's got you covered with style and cuteness.

You may also enjoy:
Denim In Living Color 
Raincoats On The Brain  
The Urban Cowboy Look
Old Navy's Summer Dresses Are Back

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Revamping Your Skincare Routine For Less

For anti-aging potions to work, they must contain the right ingredients including: 

1) Antioxidants - Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, green tea.

2) Glycolic acid - a/k/a hydroxyacetic acid

3) Peptides

4) Retinols (over the counter) - or retinoids (prescription strength)


Plus they must be used regularly. Well, it just got simpler because nowadays anti-aging elixirs are available in a drugstore aisle. Containing the same ingredients as their pricey upscale cousins, they really work, and you can afford to use them every day. 

Here are 4 top performers from 4 well-known beauty brands for less:

1) Olay Regenerist Miracle Boost Concentrate (above↑) -Infused with advanced amino-peptide complex II to speed up skin cell turnover, and 5% niacinamide to brighten your complexion. Smooths lines and sofens the appearance of wrinkles. Pair it with a Regenerist moisturizer for maximum skin hydration.
2) L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Eye Renewal - Hydrates, firms and smooths crows feet. Reduces dark circles and gets rid of under eye bags and crepey lids.
3) Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Accelerated Hyaluronic Acid Retinol Night Cream - Contains fast acting rentinol SA and hyaluronic acid to treat wrinkles and erase the appearance of lines while you sleep.
4) No7 Restore & Renew Face And Neck Multi Action Serum - Lifts and tightens a crepey and sagging neck. Contains dimethicone, glycerin, butylene glycol, aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Isononyl isononanoate, gluconolactone, dimethicone crosspolymer, phenoxyethanol, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid and pentylene glycol.

My neck will have to sag because I stop at my face; however, I'm including an effective neck serum since some people may worry about an aging neck. Frankly what I can't see, I don't treat as I long to get out of my bathroom.

What's terrific about finding anti-aging beauty products at the local drugstore is, you can take already well-prices items, wait for a sale then apply your reward points to get a steal! Rarely must you break the bank!


You may also enjoy:
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Friday, April 19, 2019

Happy Easter Weekend



On Easter Sunday we again celebrate hope, optimism and human perseverance. It's been quite a year, but we're still here to forge ahead.

Speaking of which, Notre Dame Cathedral's famous rose window was saved following Monday's fire. And thankfully, much of the iconic stained glass windows, art and relics are safe too! Some of these irreplaceable articles date back to the 13th century.

Let's jump back a little further in time ... do you recognize this man? 
 Photo: TwentyTwoWords.com
If a history buff, you might. He looks more Middle Eastern than how centuries of Western paintings, films and television series depict him.
The Jesus of Nazareth 1977 television movie
I grew up with the image of blue-eyed, hunky actor, Robert Powell as Jesus. (Va-va-room, I believe!🙂) However, theologians who study history say the real Jesus Christ looked more like the first image above. As a Galilean, his skin was dark, his beard (if he had one. Jews in Antiquity often didn't) and hair were coarse and cut short; and it is likely: Jesus was not long and lean, but shorter in stature. Does it matter to believers that the real Christ looked so different than how we in the West were conditioned to see him?

Enjoy this lovely holiday with family and friends. It's Passover weekend also for those who celebrate. A weekend to relax and spend in a positive way ... Muslim, Jew, Christian, or something else. Let's put ChristSimple Labarum.svg back into Christians and commit to treating everybody with love and respect. Strive for fairness and humanity for all. I'm pretty sure, we'll fall short sometimes, but we will hit the mark often if always striving!!!

On this Easter Sunday eat the chocolate!🍬


Happy Easter!

Simple Labarum.svg - The Chi Rho is formed by superimposing the first two (capital) letters chi and rho (ΧΡ) of the Greek word "ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ" = Christ.


Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Quiche Lorraine

Photo: Recipe Tin Eats
After passing inspection, Con Edison, New York City's utility company, turned the cooking gas back on in my apartment line. (Other lines, to be determined.) After the flooding from the upstairs fire I had to buy a new stove and am still learning how to use it. I haven't cooked a meal since January 2. First up was Cincinnati Chili on the stove top. My 2nd meal involves baking inside the oven. Here is my recipe for:

Quiche Lorraine

 First make a 9 inch Flaky Vinegar Pie Crust (or buy a pie crust). Making one is simple:

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour
1 stick (= 1/2 cup) cold butter, sliced and diced quickly to keep it cold
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cider vinegar (the flaky crust’s not so secret ingredient. Vinegar slightly retards gluten to keep the crust from toughening.)
6 tablespoons ice cold water (or whatever it takes, add drops at a time)

Directions:

1) Stir the dry ingredients together.

2) Add the wet ingredients to form a dough ball.

3) Refrigerate for 30 minutes or so before removing to roll out flat with a rolling pin on a floured cutting board.

4) Lay across a pie pan; cut; and using a folk, prick holes across the dough. It lets steam escape as the quiche bakes.

Quiche Lorraine (the filling)

Ingredients

12 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup diced onion
4 eggs
1 cup evaporated milk (or cream, or half and half)
1 teaspoon salt
12 turns of the black pepper mill (= 1/2 teaspoon)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or use cayenne pepper) 
a sprinkle of dried garlic
a sprinkle of dried celery
a sprinkle of Herbs de Provence (if you have it)

Directions

1) Mix the bacon, shredded Swiss cheese and onion together and spread on the unbaked pie crust.

2) Next whisk together the eggs, milk and seasonings. Pour over the bacon, cheese and onions. (You can eyeball the milk and stop if the consistency looks runny enough as you mix. If using a can of evaporated milk, save the rest to lighten coffee.)

3) Bake at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes, then lower the temperature t0 350 degrees F for another 30 minutes or until the quiche has set in the center.

4) Pull out of the oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes before cutting to eat.


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